Antipoverty Centre
@antipovertycentre.org
The experts on poverty are the people who live it. Break the poverty machine #BTPM 🍞🌹🏡
Pinned
A reminder of who is concerned.
We say again: If you think you're doing the right thing, you don't do it like this. You don't lash out, run from even the smallest amount of public pressure or seek to hide this amendment in an unrelated bill and reject all parliamentary scrutiny.
We say again: If you think you're doing the right thing, you don't do it like this. You don't lash out, run from even the smallest amount of public pressure or seek to hide this amendment in an unrelated bill and reject all parliamentary scrutiny.
Labor's one concrete promise to welfare recipients in 2022 was to abolish compulsory cashless welfare.
As at 10 October 2025, there were 32,556 on income management (IM):
- 9,598 on old IM (BasicsCard) and 22,958 on enhanced IM (SmartCard)
- 6.7% (2,221) were voluntary, the rest under compulsory measures.
- 82% (26,599) on IM identify as Indigenous.
www.aph.gov.au/api/qon/down...
- 9,598 on old IM (BasicsCard) and 22,958 on enhanced IM (SmartCard)
- 6.7% (2,221) were voluntary, the rest under compulsory measures.
- 82% (26,599) on IM identify as Indigenous.
www.aph.gov.au/api/qon/down...
November 28, 2025 at 6:10 AM
Labor's one concrete promise to welfare recipients in 2022 was to abolish compulsory cashless welfare.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
This is a disgrace. Every single MP and Senator who voted for this should lose their seat.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:11 AM
This is a disgrace. Every single MP and Senator who voted for this should lose their seat.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Forget politics, it violates a fundamental legal principle: you're innocent until proven guilty.
I hope the High Court quashes this on a challenge. It's clearly punitive action by the executive.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
A stupid and unjust entangling of policing and welfare.
The Albanese govt should put their time and effort into things that would make a real difference:
fixing the ineffective job provider scheme, and getting rid of the cruel and counterproductive 'mutual obligation' system. #poverty #auspol
The Albanese govt should put their time and effort into things that would make a real difference:
fixing the ineffective job provider scheme, and getting rid of the cruel and counterproductive 'mutual obligation' system. #poverty #auspol
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Disgraceful
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Disgraceful
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
"Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever. This heinous new law must be reversed."
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:25 AM
"Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever. This heinous new law must be reversed."
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
This is an appalling law that will further criminalise poverty.
#auspol
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Plibersek is burying herself in this portfolio. Although it really brings out her true colours.
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:08 AM
Plibersek is burying herself in this portfolio. Although it really brings out her true colours.
There is no justification for punishment before conviction. But even the government’s desperate attempt to put bandaids on this thing is laughable. Oh, you plan to tell the ombudsman you cancelled someone’s payment after you’ve done it? Who cares, it’s not like he can stop you???
'Letter from the Minister for Social Services (Ms Plibersek) to the Commonwealth Ombudsman (Mr Iain Anderson), regarding schedule 5 to the Social Security and Other Legislation Amendment (Technical Changes No. 2) Bill 2025, dated 21 November 2025' www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentar...
November 26, 2025 at 4:56 AM
There is no justification for punishment before conviction. But even the government’s desperate attempt to put bandaids on this thing is laughable. Oh, you plan to tell the ombudsman you cancelled someone’s payment after you’ve done it? Who cares, it’s not like he can stop you???
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Shame Labor shame: New powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction pass the senate
Welfare recipients have a right to be treated equally under the law, and should not be subject to punishment before having access to legal advice for any reason, ever.
apcentre.substack.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Today @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social succeeded in establishing new powers to cancel Centrelink payments before conviction.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Thanks @senatorthorpe.bsky.social @andrewwilkiemp.bsky.social @davidpocock.bsky.social @pennyallmanpayne.com for trying to stop this dangerous law.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Sadly, they cut a deal with the Libs to indeed rush this through
November 26, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Sadly, they cut a deal with the Libs to indeed rush this through
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
good to see some small studies now on how the NDIS interacts with other systems. we need much more of this
theconversation.com/the-ndis-shi...
theconversation.com/the-ndis-shi...
The NDIS shifts almost $27m a year in mental health costs alone, our new study suggests
A new study offers the first clear evidence of how the NDIS may ease pressure on some health services.
theconversation.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:20 PM
good to see some small studies now on how the NDIS interacts with other systems. we need much more of this
theconversation.com/the-ndis-shi...
theconversation.com/the-ndis-shi...
Governments can and should buy and build public homes. Enough for all who want to live in one. It benefits the people who get to live in them AND stabilises the private rental market, in turn stabilising house prices.
November 13, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Governments can and should buy and build public homes. Enough for all who want to live in one. It benefits the people who get to live in them AND stabilises the private rental market, in turn stabilising house prices.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Giaan, 17, had her life taken by the system meant to protect her.
When will we break the chain of harm & coercion?
We desperately need a comprehensive & empowered watchdog over mental health services—one w lived experience leaders & real power to act.
9now.nine.com.au/a-current-af...
When will we break the chain of harm & coercion?
We desperately need a comprehensive & empowered watchdog over mental health services—one w lived experience leaders & real power to act.
9now.nine.com.au/a-current-af...
Giaan was discharged from a hospital's mental health unit. She was dead 10 days later
At least five patients with links to a mental health unit on the Gold Coast have lost their lives in the la...
9now.nine.com.au
November 13, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Giaan, 17, had her life taken by the system meant to protect her.
When will we break the chain of harm & coercion?
We desperately need a comprehensive & empowered watchdog over mental health services—one w lived experience leaders & real power to act.
9now.nine.com.au/a-current-af...
When will we break the chain of harm & coercion?
We desperately need a comprehensive & empowered watchdog over mental health services—one w lived experience leaders & real power to act.
9now.nine.com.au/a-current-af...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
this is about as far from the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission as possible. only covers NDIS services, doesn't talk about the horrifying rates of abuse and violence against us in EVERY single system
consultations.health.gov.au/disability-a...
consultations.health.gov.au/disability-a...
Disability Safeguards Consultation
- Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- Citizen Space
The site lists consultations that are run by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. On this site you can find, share or take part in consultations.
consultations.health.gov.au
November 11, 2025 at 8:31 PM
this is about as far from the recommendations from the Disability Royal Commission as possible. only covers NDIS services, doesn't talk about the horrifying rates of abuse and violence against us in EVERY single system
consultations.health.gov.au/disability-a...
consultations.health.gov.au/disability-a...
sounds familiar 🤔
UK government project using AI to find benefit fraud resulted in:
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
- A 46% false fraud rate
- Anguish for families who were wrongly accused of fraud and had benefits stopped
- Months of additional work for government, setting up a hotline, correcting false fraud
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 8:41 PM
sounds familiar 🤔
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
This decision last week flew under the radar - case could have significant ramifications for Centrelink debt decisions
High Court granted special leave to appeal Fed Court’s decision in the Chaplin v DSS case (related to Centrelink’s assessment of employment income and income apportionment).
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
www.hcourt.gov.au
November 9, 2025 at 8:16 PM
This decision last week flew under the radar - case could have significant ramifications for Centrelink debt decisions
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
November 7, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
The National Socialist Network held an antisemitic rally outside New South Wales Parliament today - astoundingly, it's emerged this afternoon that they did this with approval from NSW Police. www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
Police allowed Nazi rally outside NSW parliament
More than 60 people attended Saturday morning’s rally after notifying police more than a week ago. The police commissioner said he had no idea it was going to happen.
www.smh.com.au
November 8, 2025 at 6:23 AM
The National Socialist Network held an antisemitic rally outside New South Wales Parliament today - astoundingly, it's emerged this afternoon that they did this with approval from NSW Police. www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
The gummint mandates 4.5% of the workforce have to be unemployed to benefit the economy then force those people to live below the poverty line.
That isn’t support.
That’s cruelty for the sake of it.
That isn’t support.
That’s cruelty for the sake of it.
November 7, 2025 at 9:47 AM
The gummint mandates 4.5% of the workforce have to be unemployed to benefit the economy then force those people to live below the poverty line.
That isn’t support.
That’s cruelty for the sake of it.
That isn’t support.
That’s cruelty for the sake of it.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Barangaroo exemplar of worse practice, now with smidge of affordable housing (just 2.3%) given ‘poor door’ entry
@jennyleong.bsky.social spot on; “outsourced the responsibility of housing delivery” to developers, giving them “more control over affordable housing”.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
@jennyleong.bsky.social spot on; “outsourced the responsibility of housing delivery” to developers, giving them “more control over affordable housing”.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘Poor doors’: affordable housing tenants have to use back entrance to access Barangaroo apartments
Those paying discounted rent at Watermans Residences can’t use pool or gym, either. Critics say segregation ‘a dystopian microcosm of housing inequality’
www.theguardian.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:46 AM
Barangaroo exemplar of worse practice, now with smidge of affordable housing (just 2.3%) given ‘poor door’ entry
@jennyleong.bsky.social spot on; “outsourced the responsibility of housing delivery” to developers, giving them “more control over affordable housing”.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
@jennyleong.bsky.social spot on; “outsourced the responsibility of housing delivery” to developers, giving them “more control over affordable housing”.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Ty @jennaprice.bsky.social for this article (🔗 below), particularly for sharing a quote that exposes the minister actively lying about what her proposal does.
It will not at all work like a payment suspension for someone on remand – it is a payment cancellation and there is no access to ART review.
It will not at all work like a payment suspension for someone on remand – it is a payment cancellation and there is no access to ART review.
November 6, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Ty @jennaprice.bsky.social for this article (🔗 below), particularly for sharing a quote that exposes the minister actively lying about what her proposal does.
It will not at all work like a payment suspension for someone on remand – it is a payment cancellation and there is no access to ART review.
It will not at all work like a payment suspension for someone on remand – it is a payment cancellation and there is no access to ART review.
Many of the groups calling on @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social to abandon her plan to involve police & ministers in cancelling Centrelink payments for someone accused of a serious offence work directly with people affected by family violence.
To suggest they don’t take it seriously is vile. Apologise.
To suggest they don’t take it seriously is vile. Apologise.
November 6, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Many of the groups calling on @tanyaplibersekmp.bsky.social to abandon her plan to involve police & ministers in cancelling Centrelink payments for someone accused of a serious offence work directly with people affected by family violence.
To suggest they don’t take it seriously is vile. Apologise.
To suggest they don’t take it seriously is vile. Apologise.
broke: food vouchers
woke: liveable welfare payments for all who need them including those in low paid jobs
bespoke: pay your fucking employees enough for them to live comfortably
woke: liveable welfare payments for all who need them including those in low paid jobs
bespoke: pay your fucking employees enough for them to live comfortably
"Having somebody who is hungry and worried about feeding their own children is an enormous amount of stress that will impact anybody’s ability to do their job well."
I spoke with @aijenpoo.bsky.social about the issues domestic workers face at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
I spoke with @aijenpoo.bsky.social about the issues domestic workers face at @motherjones.com. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Domestic workers count on SNAP. Trump's shutdown is hitting hard.
Cleaners, nannies, and home health aides work full-time—and still disproportionately rely on food stamps.
www.motherjones.com
November 6, 2025 at 8:50 PM
broke: food vouchers
woke: liveable welfare payments for all who need them including those in low paid jobs
bespoke: pay your fucking employees enough for them to live comfortably
woke: liveable welfare payments for all who need them including those in low paid jobs
bespoke: pay your fucking employees enough for them to live comfortably
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
The government's last-minute addition to its social security bill, granting the Minister power to suspend or cancel welfare payments before a person is convicted of a crime, will see children going hungry, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe says.
Thorpe warns Labor’s welfare changes will ‘see children go hungry’
The government's last-minute addition to its social security bill, granting the Minister power to suspend or cancel welfare payments before a person is convicted of a crime, will see children going hu...
nit.com.au
November 6, 2025 at 10:20 AM
The government's last-minute addition to its social security bill, granting the Minister power to suspend or cancel welfare payments before a person is convicted of a crime, will see children going hungry, Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe says.
Reposted by Antipoverty Centre
Christopher Rudge’s article on the Federal Court’s decision provides useful background and analysis theconversation.com/the-ghost-of...
The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated
The ruling has allowed the Department of Social Services to resume pursuing historical welfare debts, which the Ombudsman has previously found to be unlawful.
theconversation.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Christopher Rudge’s article on the Federal Court’s decision provides useful background and analysis theconversation.com/the-ghost-of...
Labor's income apportionment bill may turn out to be completely dead in the water, because it's not just a shady power grab.
It's supposed to be about a dodgy patch up of millions of unlawfully calculated debts. Debt calculations that will now be considered by the high court.
It's supposed to be about a dodgy patch up of millions of unlawfully calculated debts. Debt calculations that will now be considered by the high court.
High Court granted special leave to appeal Fed Court’s decision in the Chaplin v DSS case (related to Centrelink’s assessment of employment income and income apportionment).
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
Comes same day the gov’s income apportionment validation Bill delayed to next sitting www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-ju...
www.hcourt.gov.au
November 6, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Labor's income apportionment bill may turn out to be completely dead in the water, because it's not just a shady power grab.
It's supposed to be about a dodgy patch up of millions of unlawfully calculated debts. Debt calculations that will now be considered by the high court.
It's supposed to be about a dodgy patch up of millions of unlawfully calculated debts. Debt calculations that will now be considered by the high court.